Time Experience Thoughts

As waves upon the beaches we've seen, So with memories of you in my dreams. Their beauty is endless, perfect, and sublime, So with our love on the sands of time. Scott L. Vanatter, 2 February 1975 (Valentine's Day poem written for Becky while on my mission)

Summer days, a thoughtful gaze. Warm sun flowing down around us. Sifting sand through our fingers, Sifting dreams and memories linger. Cool of the water, curl of the wave, Fixes our minds on that day When He made this beautiful place. Scott L. Vanatter, 29 May 1975 (Poem written for Becky on my mission)

Christmas 1967. Becky is all elbows and sharp angles. I have hair. (We were 13 years old. I was about to turn 14.) Duarte High dance, 1969. (We were 15 years old.) Christmas Eve, 1971. (We were 17 years old.) December 1973, just before my mission. (We were 19 years old.) December 1975, just after my mission. (We were 21 years old.)

“Forty years since our first kiss it’s been . . .” I. First (Summer and Fall of 1967, then many months later…) My arm around your shoulder . . . fresh and cool and new. Quick and sweet - though, it took an eternity to get to you. II. Best (Spring of 1970, then a few weeks later…) My arm around your shoulder - again . . . whole and serene and calm. Long and pure - this dreamlike kiss lingers on. Time and our hearts stand still. Walking away; down the street, Floating. Just off the ground, I walk along. Can’t hear. Can barely breathe; don’t care. Hearts swelled; hearts warm. Numb with feeling; lips still tingling. Touch my finger to my lips; checking this is real (and remembering). It is; it is no dream. Can never forget; it's never far from my sweetest thoughts. Even today. Even now. III. Sweetest (Senior Year, 1971-1972) The day, the night, the moment I purpose to tell you With all my heart I love you, With my whole trembling soul, My voice breaks My voice ...